Before nine weeks of pregnancy, women have the option of taking an abortion pill, which will terminate the pregnancy by forcing a miscarriage. Some have found this way to be more appealing, since the termination takes place at home with very little medical intervention. Still, knowing what to expect can help put your mind at ease.
Before taking the Medication
Before you can take the medication, you will be examined. The exam typically includes an ultrasound to ensure that you are less than nine weeks pregnant. Your health care provider will discuss your options and decide if the abortion pill is the best option for your situation. Finally, you’ll have to read and sign paperwork.
During this initial stage, feel free to ask any questions about the procedure. It’s better to be well informed beforehand, than to question your decision after it’s too late. If you have doubts about terminating your pregnancy, you and your health care provider can discuss other options, such as adoption or support groups for mothers.
During the Procedure
At the clinic, you’ll be given your first dose of medication – mifepristone. This is the first pill that you will take. Its purpose is to block the production of progesterone. Without this important hormone, the lining of your uterus begins to break down and the pregnancy is terminated.
Before you go home, your health care provider will give you detailed instructions on when to take the second dose of medication – misoprostol. You’ll take this pill within three days after taking mifepristone, the abortion pill.
The purpose of this second medication is to empty out your uterus. For most women, cramping and bleeding begin within a few hours after taking misoprostol. It’s common to see large clots and tissue as your uterus expels the pregnancy materials. Your doctor will have given you pain medication to help ease the cramping. It’s best if you have a close friend or family member with you during this time.
For most women, the first day of bleeding is the heaviest. Within the next day or two, they are feeling better and the bleeding will have slowed or stopped.
Many women describe the effect of the abortion pill as those of an early miscarriage. You may experience nausea, diarrhea, temporary abdominal pain, mild fever or chills, dizziness, and strong cramps. After the first day, women describe it to be similar to a normal period.
After the Procedure
As mentioned above, you can have bleeding for a few days after taking the abortion pill. If you continue to experience strong cramps and heavy bleeding, it’s best to give your physician a call because these symptoms could indicate complications or an infection.
If things continue to be normal, you’ll visit your health care provider for a follow-up within two weeks. You can expect to have blood work done and another ultrasound to ensure that the pregnancy was terminated.
Thinking about taking an abortion pill? Trenton, NJ residents can visit our site to learn everything you need to know about your pregnancy. http://www.plannedparenthood.org.